Representing Yourself in Court

A significant number of individuals who seek access to the court system are unable to afford a lawyer and are unable to secure the services of legal aid providers. In these instances, individuals may have to represent themselves in court. Individuals who represent themselves in the court system are referred to as self-represented litigants, unrepresented litigants or pro se litigants.

Representing Yourself in Court

It is always best to have a lawyer. The law and court proceedings are complicated, and lawyers have legal training. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and help get the best result possible in your case. Sometimes even simple matters can have consequences that you are not aware of or do not understand.

If you are representing yourself in a case, or thinking about doing so, see Self-Represented Litigants.

Below are several sources of information for persons who do not have a lawyer. The information is not legal advice and does not take the place of talking to a lawyer.

• Texas Law Help - Information about different areas of the law for people who are handling their own simple civil legal matter. It also has a Chat service that allows the user to chat with someone who can help.

• Texas Court Help - Videos and other information in English and Spanish about going through the court system, including information about how to find a lawyer, where to find forms, and how to get ready to go to court.

• Texas State Law Library Consumer & Self-Help Information - The State Law Library web site has Self-Help information, forms, and links. Its Ask a Librarian feature allows users to get legal information from a librarian by email.